how do you replace a rotted log on a log home

• First obtain a suitable replacement from a supplier that handles the same log type as found in you home. ( www.WesternLogHomesuppy.com can manufacture replacement logs for your home. ...
• Then cut out the offending log using a saber saw with a blade made for cutting metal. This will cut through the spikes or log screws holding the logs together. ...
• If the logs are tongue and groove type then the new logs will have to have the tongue removed on top of the new log so that it can slipped ...
• The final touch is to use a good grade of chinking to seal the joints between the new logs and the existing logs in the log home.
• Now apply a wood preservative or to the affected area (preferably the whole home) and then refinish the home. ...

How do you fix a rotted log?

If the rotted area of your log has wood missing and a large hole is staring at you then you need a different approach. Liquid Wood can be used as a primer but you’ll need Wood Epox a 2-part putty type system to fill the void. This product can be shaped while still soft and can be nailed sawn drilled painted etc. when cured.

Should I replace logs on my log home?

Even with the best-cared for log home or building, replacing logs must be done when rot or other damage takes hold. Properly replacing logs on your home or other building requires specialized knowledge, tools and experience.

How do you repair a log home?

Log home repairs to do yourself: 1 Sealing the exterior of the log home with backer rod and caulk 2 Minor maintenance such as cleaning or touching-up clear top coat More ...

How do I know if my log home is rotting?

Feel It — Log home rot can be as easy to recognize as simply touching and feeling the sturdiness of the logs. A wood log that is soft to the touch may mean that there is rot occurring on the inside.

How do you change the log on a log cabin?

0:196:21log replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAs far as the footage of the replacement. So you know at least want to go a foot that's over a footMoreAs far as the footage of the replacement. So you know at least want to go a foot that's over a foot right there i broke it i like to go more if we can but i try to save on money with different costs.

How do you repair a log house?

0:001:02Log Home Repair | Replacing Rotten Logs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt is very important to address the problems with rot before they get worse. And cause structuralMoreIt is very important to address the problems with rot before they get worse. And cause structural damage. Once the rotten wood has been replaced. And the cause of the rod has been addressed.

How do you replace wood rot?

InstructionsDry Wood Out. Let the wood completely dry out. ... Remove Rot. Removing the rot will help accelerate the drying process. ... Mix Consolidant. In a plastic container, mix the two liquids with a wooden stick. ... Let Consolidant Harden. ... Mix Filler. ... Apply Filler. ... Sand Down Filler. ... Smooth Filler.More items...•

How do you refurbish a log?

4 Steps to Refinishing Your Log Home:Step 1: Inspect Your Home for Necessary Repairs. Water damage or rot. ... Step 2: Clean the Logs. You will want to clean the logs of dust and stains, but avoid using chlorine bleach. ... Step 3: Stain and Finish the Logs. ... Step 4: Seal the Logs.

How do I stop my log cabin from rotting?

How do we keep a log home dry and stop rot?Maintain a good finish on the exterior logs. ... Have adequate overhangs wherever possible. ... Have gutters in place and keep them in working condition, again –preventing water from ever getting to the logs.Free board – in other words: keep the house up off the ground.More items...

How do you stop logs from rotting?

The best way to prevent rot is to keep water out of your wood. This can be done by using a top notch exterior finish on your logs and log siding and regularly maintaining that finish per the manufacturer's directions. The key is maintaining that finish on a regular basis to keep water out.

Can rotted wood be repaired?

Can Rotten Wood Be Repaired? Rotting wood can be repaired by first removing any rot from the original board or beam of wood. Once that has been done, you can fill the area with a wood-patch or polyester filler. This material will fill the area and harden to provide strength and durability.

Will rotted wood spread?

Unlike many other wood destroying fungi dry rot can readily grow over and through porous masonry provided that there is a nutritional source (wood) from which it can spread; this ability allows the spread of the fungus from one area to another.

How do you fill large holes in rotted wood?

8 Ways to Fill Large Holes in WoodWood Putty. Wood putty is a compound used to repair holes in wood. ... Two Part Epoxy Products. There are a few different ways to fill wood holes with epoxy. ... Wood Glue with Toothpicks. ... Wax Candle. ... Wood Plugs + Wood Dowels. ... Sawdust/Glue. ... Baking Soda & Vinegar. ... Elmer's Glue Stick.

How do you restore an old log home?

1:2820:53Artisan Restoration - Old Log Cabin and Barn Restoration - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipForm to give them a stone face and then we stripped the concrete for him early. And we took ourMoreForm to give them a stone face and then we stripped the concrete for him early. And we took our pressure washer. And we pressure washed all this concrete.

Do log homes require a lot of maintenance?

All homes require some exterior care and maintenance, but log homes require a bit more than usual. Once a year, the home's exterior should be washed to remove pollen, insect debris and other dirt. At that time, the home should be checked for mildew and mold, which should be removed if present.

How do you restore the inside of a log cabin?

1:287:27Finishing The Interior Of Your Log Home - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart in the closet. See how far you want to take those logs down as far as the smoothness on theMoreStart in the closet. See how far you want to take those logs down as far as the smoothness on the finish if you start in say your living room and you have a very long wall. That's all logs.

Where to look for rot in log home?

When evaluating the condition of your log home’s exterior, it’s best to start looking at the corners of the house, the bottom row of logs, and around the window trim. These are the most vulnerable areas of the home and the places where wood rot repair is often needed first.

What to do if wood logs are hollow?

Tap the wood logs with your finger and pay special attention to the noise it produces. If it sounds hollow, there is most likely deterioration inside and wood rot repair is probably needed.

What happens if you scratch a log?

What we mean by this: If you scratch off flakes of your wooden logs with your nails, there is most likely rot on the surface, and you would need to confirm it hasn’t penetrated deeper. Feel It — Log home rot can be as easy to recognize as simply touching and feeling the sturdiness of the logs.

Is a log home a house?

Your log home is more than just a house, it’s your pride and joy. However, taking care of a log home is slightly different than a traditional house. One of the biggest questions we hear about is the danger of wood rot. So how can you tell when your cabin is experiencing wood rot and what can you actually do about it?

Do log homes suffer damage?

All homes suffer damage at one time or another, no matter what type of materials they’re built of. As a log home owner, you should be aware of the types of repairs you’re able to tackle yourself and when you should call in reinforcements.

Can you do a log home inspection yourself?

While everyone can perform a log home inspection to some degree, no one can do it quite like a professional team of log cabin experts. Here are a few times when and when not to do log home repairs yourself. Log home repairs to do yourself: Sealing the exterior of the log home with backer rod and caulk.

Why do logs rot?

Reasons why logs on your home may rot. There are many common reasons why logs start to decay here are some of the most common reasons: The roof if not constructed properly and has a minimal overhang, which can result in rain drenching the logs. Plants and trees outside your home that may be too close, as they can divert rainwater against ...

Why is my porch not attached to the bottom log?

The porch is not attached to the bottom log instead of spaced properly to allow for water drainage. Interior leaks and poor plumbing jobs. More often than not, if the previous owners had properly maintained their log home, none of these problems would have occurred (or at least, very minimal). Here’s what you need to know when it comes ...

Why do logs decay?

There are many common reasons why logs start to decay here are some of the most common reasons: 1 The roof if not constructed properly and has a minimal overhang, which can result in rain drenching the logs. 2 Plants and trees outside your home that may be too close, as they can divert rainwater against the logs and this will leave the logs damp as there will be minimal sunlight allowing the logs to dry properly. This can include vegetable gardens or flower boxes holding moisture next to the walls of your home. 3 A leaky gutter or downspout that allows water to run down the logs. 4 A large crack on the up-facing part of the log that collects and holds rainwater and does not have proper drainage. 5 Paint used on the logs instead of a quality log home finish/stain. 6 Exterior faucets that are drilled through logs. 7 The porch is not attached to the bottom log instead of spaced properly to allow for water drainage. 8 Interior leaks and poor plumbing jobs.

What is a leaky gutter?

A leaky gutter or downspout that allows water to run down the logs. A large crack on the up-facing part of the log that collects and holds rainwater and does not have proper drainage. Paint used on the logs instead of a quality log home finish/stain. Exterior faucets that are drilled through logs. The porch is not attached to ...

Why is my log home splashing water?

First things first, you need to fix the cause of the issue, which could be a number of things such as leaky gutters and downpipes, improperly installed base flashing, splashing water due to sidewalks or gardens being located to close to your logs. Once you have fixed the cause its time for log home surgery if you will!

How do you know if a log is soft?

You’ll know as soon as you come in contact with the log and you feel a soft spot; a log should be hard and sturdy when hit. If you do happen to find some soft spots, those can easily be treated and stopped from spreading, but from time to time you may find a log that has more substantial damage.

Where are logs most susceptible to decay?

Generally, the logs with the greatest potential for rot and decay are the closest to the ground (or under the deck support posts), so the lower or second layer of your log wall where they can’t dry out well enough and are susceptible to soaking up more water in the ground.

What is a turned log?

TURNED LOGS. An example of a turned log that is off-center and at risk for further damage. While turned logs, also known as milled logs, have many cost benefits when building a home, the are prone to cracks and checks that other logs aren’t. This creates risk for rot, insect damage, and other issues.

Where do vertical logs rot?

Most of the time, vertical logs rot out at the bottom of the timber where the log transitions into the foundation. It’s important to address why the logs rotted in the first place. Many times, the logs sit directly on a cement foundation that wicks moisture up into the logs.

What type of wood is used to replace log posts?

This type of spacer is really effective for keeping the bottom of the post dry and free from rot. Edmunds & Company uses rot resistant wood to replace log posts because many times the posts will continue to be exposed to moisture that could put the new logs at risk for rotting.

What are perlins in a log house?

Perlins are roof support members that protrude out of the gable ends of a log home and support the roof structure. In any house they are important – in a log house they are of particular importance.

Can you replace whole logs?

However, leaving rotted logs in place only makes things worse. They can’t get better on their own.

What to do if you have a rotting log?

If you have an extremely ugly and rotted log right by your front door you may want to consider replacing the log or the log face. Even a careful restoration may not look original especially since you won’t be putting paint over the log to hide it.

How to use liquid wood in a log?

Liquid Wood can be injected or poured into the log where it will surround the existing wood cells and basically petrify them. You drill small holes and then use a large (60 cc) syringe with or without a large gauge needle to inject the Liquid Wood into the log.

How long do borates stay in wood?

Borates can stay in your wood for about 40 years and are a good preventative measure against decay and insects. Borates need to be applied to bare wood in order to penetrate properly. Often this is not an issue in severely rotted areas — just saturate the wood by brushing or spraying.

What is liquid wood?

Liquid Wood, 2 part liquid consolidant. If the wood is all or mostly there and your home is not experiencing structural failure (i.e. the log is not crushed) then you can often restore the wood with a 2-part epoxy product called Liquid Wood. Even wood that would crumble under finger pressure can be restored.

What is a leaky gutter?

Leaky gutter or down spout that allows water to run down the logs. Large check or crack on the up-facing part of the log that collects and holds rainwater. Garden sprinkler system that sprays the walls of the house. Horizontal beam/log surface that allows water to sit on the surface and be wicked back into the house.

Why attach a porch to the bottom log?

Porch attached to the bottom log instead of spaced properly to allow for water drainage. Some of these fixes are easy and some may require a professional but it’s very important to make sure the conditions that promoted the rot in the first place are corrected before you try to restore your logs.

Can you use 100% wood epox on logs?

Because it dries white you can use dry tints to mix in to match the color of your logs or you can paint it a light tan color and then apply your log home stain/finish over the top. You don’t have to use 100% Wood Epox to fill the void you can use other pieces of wood to take up some of the space.